The art of macramé is making a comeback. Who would imagine that just some rope and knots could create beautiful things like plant hangers and wall hangings?
What is it, then, that fuels the creative process of a macramé artist?
You can find out this weekend at Carpe Diem Art and Learning Centre, Majorda, with self-taught artist, Lisanne Gomes. Lisanne is on a mission to create awareness and to impart her knowledge of macramé to participants.
The workshop will be held on November 2 and 3, from 4 pm to 6.30 pm.
Lisanne discovered this art when she stumbled upon a book at the Confidant Book Store in Margao. “My first few lessons came from this tiny book, and then my knowledge expanded as I tried to explore more online,” she says, as she gets ready for her classes at Carpe Diem.
Talking about the type of material she uses, she says that any material that can create a knot can be used. She loves to use cotton or jute rope to make her designs.
The bag that we will be working on requires just two knots – the lark head knot and the square knot. With these knots, many other products can be made.
Lisanne Gomes, Macrame artist
At the workshop, Lisanne will be teaching participants the art of making a handcrafted macramé bag.
“The bag that we will be working on requires just two knots – the lark head knot and the square knot. With these knots, many other products can be made," she explains.
At the workshop, Lisanne will be teaching participants the art of making a handcrafted macramé bag.
At a time when everything is fast-paced and digitalised, the technique and art of macramé enables people to take a step back, breathe and unwind.
This workshop is the perfect gift for you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, and create something special. However, relaxation is not the only thing that it can bring you. This art form can be easily be sold for a fortune and has a high market value.
“I've seen bags and other items in stores, specially on beaches. Even big brands offer items made using this technique, from lamp shades to décor and curtains, with many products being available on shopping sites like Amazon," she shares.
"There is a lot of demand in the market for clean and neat macramé art work,” says Lisanne, who takes around 12 hours to make a product, depending on its size and design.
Social media plays a key role, allowing artists to showcase their products online and enable customers to connect with them directly for orders.
Although every day is a new learning experience, Lisanne continues to keep abreast of all kinds of knots. However, there are a few struggles which a newbie might experience, she says.
“The most challenging is the length of the cord. Unlike crochet, you can't add later on. And, it is the maths one needs to do to calculate before one begins a macrame project," she continues.
"Although learning and honing the skill takes time, it’s worth the wait. However, you have to be alert when you are knotting as you need to work with alternate cords.”
The resurgence of macramé is a blessing to those who appreciate intricate thread artistry and are looking for therapeutic respite from life’s ups and downs.
DETAILS
WHAT: Macramé workshop
WHERE: Carpe Diem Art and Learning Centre, Majorda
WHEN: November 2 and 3
TIMINGS: 4 pm to 6.30 pm
CONTACT: +91 9822580152 or +91 8888862462